The Press of Atlantic City reports Steel Pier president Anthony Catanoso says it would be the tallest in the country if it's finished before the 550-foot High Roller wheel in Las Vegas, which is expected to be finished this year.

The Texas Star wheel in Dallas at 212 feet claims to be the tallest observation wheel in North America. Catanoso says Atlantic City's wheel could be 220 feet with the height of the pier included.

The hope is that the new wheel along with the expanded pier and other new attractions like Margaritaville and Boardwalk Hall’s 3-D light show will draw more people year-round to the struggling gambling resort.

Currently the largest wheel in the world is the 540-foot Singapore Flyer but there are plans for a 690-foot tall Ferris wheel in Dubai.